The thrill of getting something new never gets old. The crisp box, the gleaming plastic, the promise of something fresh and exciting. Yet, as time passes, even the most up-to-date hardware can become obsolete at some point. When your trusted item breaks and it’s no longer in production, finding spare parts can feel like a treasure hunt.
You may search for spare parts in niche forums, stores like eBay, and Amazon, or speciality resale sites where individuals and businesses sell discontinued components. But the condition of these parts can be questionable, plus they can be priced far above their original cost.
That’s where SLA printing comes in. With this innovative solution, you don’t have to waste your time looking for obsolete parts. All you need to do is use specialised SLA printing services to create custom parts quickly and precisely. This can save time and effort while breathing new life into your reliable device.
What Is SLA Printing?
Stereolithography, also known as SLA 3D printing, is a process of creating highly accurate and detailed custom parts that traditional manufacturing methods struggle to achieve. It’s a quick, efficient, and cost-effective solution that can revolutionise the way we repair and maintain obsolete hardware.
SLA machines create custom 3D-printed parts by selectively curing layers of liquid resin using ultraviolet light. This procedure enables designers to produce parts with intricate details and smooth surfaces. Compared to other methods like FDM or SLS printing, SLA results in minimal layer lines and a smoother surface.
It’s Precise
Being one of the most accurate forms of 3D printing, this technique produces objects with extremely fine details and accurate dimensions. SLA uses a laser to cure a liquid resin layer by layer, which means that even small, complex parts like gears, brackets, or enclosures, can be recreated.
For instance, small custom door and window parts can be reproduced with great accuracy. When original replacements like brackets, hinges, handles, or seals are no longer available, 3D-printed components can fit perfectly and function well. This means you can keep your doors and windows in working order without the need for hard-to-find, off-the-shelf replacements.
Given the precision of SLA printing, you don’t have to worry about poor fit or functional issues. The 3D-printed parts will work as intended, saving your hardware from ending up in landfills.
It’s Customisable
SLA printing allows you to design parts that fit your needs. You can make adjustments to the size, shape, and even the material of the printed parts, which ensures that they meet the exact specifications you need for your project.
You can submit your part and project details to the team, who will design, reinforce, and produce a prototype, typically sent within 8 weeks. After testing, you can provide feedback to refine the prototype into a functional part. This process ensures that your parts are tailored specifically to your needs.
It’s Cost Effective
SLA printing can help you save money on costly replacements. You can breathe new life into obsolete hardware without breaking the bank. Instead of buying new expensive parts, you can purchase custom components that precisely fit your needs. This makes repairs more affordable and give you gives you control over the design.
As already mentioned, SLA printing is customisable, helping you avoid off-the-shelf parts that might not work as effectively. Again, this can save you money as you won’t need to spend on parts that don’t fit.
Instead, you can create precisely the parts you need, which not only ensures better functionality but also provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of obtaining replacements.
It’s Eco-Friendly
SLA printing can be an environmentally friendly practice because it reduces material waste. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, where excess material is often discarded, SLA uses only the necessary amount of resin for each layer, minimising waste.
Furthermore, many SLA resins are biodegradable or designed with sustainability in mind. The ability to recycle printed parts can further reduce the environmental impact.
It’s Great for Prototyping
Prototyping is the process of creating an initial version of a product, testing it, and then refining it based on feedback or performance. SLA printing is great for prototyping since it creates highly detailed and precise models.
With this innovative technique, prototyping can be fast and cost-effective since you can produce new versions of the prototype in a short amount of time. This allows you to experiment and refine your design quickly until it meets the desired specifications.
